Remote control race course system

ABSTRACT

A race course system using a plurality of low-profile straight and corner block units assembled over an existing support surface of concrete, pavement, dirt, or similar material. The block units are used to create inner and outer barriers for a race course formed therebetween in which race cars or boats may travel. The block unit includes an inner cavity, which may be selectively filled with water or sand to add weight. Each block unit is sufficiently wide so that they may be stood upon by track officials. The block units include tabs and tab receiving slots formed on opposite surfaces which enable adjacent block units to be interconnected. Each block unit may also include an optional post-receiving hole into which a post may be inserted to support safety netting for catching race cars that may jump the barrier and threaten to hit spectators. Also, each block unit may include an optional handle for easy portability.

[0001] This is a utility patent application based on a provisionalpatent application (Serial No. 60/322,066) filed on Sep. 13, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention pertains to race courses and, in particular, tomethods of temporarily constructing miniature race courses on existingsurfaces using a plurality of interlocking block units.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Racing remote control cars is a popular hobby for people of allages. Racing events are usually sponsored by a hobby shop or a race carclub and held at the hobby shop's parking lot. Typically, a temporaryrace course is constructed on the parking lot using (2×4) or (2×6) studsplaced on one edge and aligned in an end-to-end manner to delineate theinterior barriers, exterior barriers center islands, or the infield, onthe race track. In some instances, a center platform is needed insidethe race track where track officials can stand to observe the race andto overturn flipped or broken race cars during a race.

[0006] The (2×4) or (2×6) studs are desirable because they arerelatively inexpensive, easily assembled to form a race track, andeasily disassembled. They can also be stacked and stored in a compactconfiguration in the off season. They also have a relatively low profileso that race car operators standing on sides of the race track may seetheir race cars at all times during a race. Unfortunately, using (2×4)and (2×6) studs has several drawbacks.

[0007] One drawback with using (2×4) and (2×6) studs is that their endsurfaces cannot be evenly joined together without brackets or otherhardware items. When brackets are not used, the end surfaces on adjacentstuds may be exposed that can snag race cars as they travel next to theinside surface of the studs, often resulting in costly damage.

[0008] Another drawback with using (2×4) and (2×6) studs is that thetrack is not realistic and must be a relatively simple design comprisedof long straight-aways and side turns. Short straight-aways,“switchbacks” and “hairpin” turns cannot be constructed with studs.

[0009] A third drawback with using (2×4) and (2×6) studs is that theycan be easily knocked out of place when struck by a race car or by atrack official who may trip over a stud while moving towards anoverturned race car.

[0010] A fourth drawback is that (2×4) and (2×6) studs, when placed onedge, are too narrow to allow track officials to stand on them during arace. As mentioned above, track officials must stand in a centrallocation on the race track so that they can quickly overturn a flippedrace car. When narrow studs are used, track officials must befast-footed and step quickly onto the race course to reach a flippedrace car, then quickly move back off the race track. Because the studsare 2 to 4 inches in width, track officials sometimes trip on them andfall into the race track, often injuring themselves or damaging the racecars.

[0011] A fifth drawback is that because (2×4) and (2×6) studs have a lowprofile, race cars can easily jump over them during a race and causeinjuries to track officials, spectators, or race car operators and causeinjuries.

[0012] What is needed is a miniature race car course system that uses aplurality of low profile barrier units that can be securelyinterconnected so that their inside surfaces are in alignment, and thatcan be used to form a wide variety of different-shaped, realistic racetracks. The barrier units should be lightweight, portable, and capableof being easily stored in a compact configuration when not in use. Thebarrier units should be selectively weighted so that they resistmovement when used and be sufficiently durable so that track officialsmay directly stand on them to watch a race. The barrier units shouldalso include means to be used with safety netting that prevents racecars from leaving the race course and injuring track officials,spectators, and race car operators.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a realistic,miniature remote control race course system that uses a plurality of lowprofile, portable block units that can be adjustably connected togetherto form a wide variety of different race course designs.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide such asystem that uses such block units that can be securely connectedtogether to form a continuous, uniformly aligned inside or outsidebarrier on a race track that minimizes snags to the vehicles movingagainst them.

[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide such asystem that uses such barrier units that are lightweight for easyportability and that can be selectively weighted after positioned on theracetrack to resist movement caused by impacts.

[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide such asystem that uses block units that are sufficiently wide to resistantmovement and to allow track officials to stand on them during a race.

[0017] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide sucha system that can be used with optional safety netting to protectspectators, track officials, and operators from vehicles that flip andleave the race track during a race.

[0018] These and other objects of the invention that will becomeapparent are met by a race course system that uses a plurality ofhollow, low-profile block units designed to be assembled over anexisting support surface, such as asphalt, concrete, water, or dirt. Theblock units are individually positioned over the support surface andthen selectively connected together in an end-to-end or end-to-sidemanner to create a wide variety of continuous inside or outside barriersand center islands. The inside and outside barriers are selectivelyspaced apart to create different lengths and widths of a race track inwhich the vehicles may travel during a race.

[0019] All of the block units used in the system are lightweight anddesigned for easy transport and assembly. In the preferred embodiment, acavity is formed inside each block unit that may be selectively filledwith a fluid weight substance, such as sand or water after being placedin the desired positions to add weight so that they remain in placeduring a race. When the race track is disassembled, the fluid weightsubstances may be easily removed so that the block units may be easilytransported to a storage facility. Each block unit includes anattachment means that enables it to be securely connected together to anadjacent block unit. In the preferred embodiment, the attachment meansincludes at least one tab member that extends longitudinally from oneend of each block unit, and at least one tab-receiving slot formed onthe adjacent end or side surface each block unit.

[0020] Each block unit may also include an optional recessed handle foreasy portability. Also, the block units may include outward extendedsloped surfaces formed along their bottom and side walls to create arealistic apron-like roadway structure upon which the race cars maydrive when moving close to the inside barrier walls.

[0021] The system also includes optional safety net and poles that canbe attached to the blocks units. Each block unit includes at least onepost-receiving hole so that a post may be inserted to support safetynetting placed along the exterior and interior barriers for catchingrace cars that may jump the barriers and threaten to hit spectators andtrack officials.

[0022] The system includes a plurality of straight block units and aplurality of corner block units of uniform widths and heights and withcomplementary attachment means enabling them to be exchanged andinterconnected to create a wide variety of different shaped race tracks.All the block units also have a flat top support surface sufficientlydurable to allow a person to stand thereon. In the preferred embodiment,the system includes a plurality of long straight block units, aplurality of short straight block units, a plurality of 30-degree cornerblock units, a plurality of 45-degree corner block units, a plurality of60-degree corner block units, a plurality of 90 degree corner blockunits, and a plurality of 180-degree corner block units. The system alsoincludes at least one adjustable coupling block unit comprised of afixed block unit and a pivoting block unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a section of the remote controlrace course system disclosed herein.

[0024]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a simple race course.

[0025]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a moderate race course.

[0026]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a complex race course.

[0027]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the long and short straight blockunits.

[0028]FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the long and short straightblock units.

[0029]FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the long and short straight blockunits.

[0030]FIG. 8 is top plan view of a 30-degree corner block unit locatedbetween two straight block units.

[0031]FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the 30-degree block unit takenalong line 9-9 in FIG. 8.

[0032]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a 45-degree corner block unitlocated between two straight block units.

[0033]FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the 45-degree corner blockunit taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a60-degree corner block unit located between two straight block units.

[0034]FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the 60-degree corner blockunit taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 12.

[0035]FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a 90-degree corner block unitlocated between two straight block units.

[0036]FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the 90-degree corner blockunit taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 14.

[0037]FIG. 16 is a top plan view of an end block unit attached to astraight block unit.

[0038]FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the end block unit takenalong line 17-17 in FIG. 16.

[0039]FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the adjustable coupling block unitlocated between two straight block units.

[0040]FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the adjustable couplingblock unit taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 18.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0041] Referring to the accompanying Figs., there is shown and describeda miniature remote control race car course system 10 that uses aplurality of long and short straight block units 15, 25, a plurality ofcorner block units 35, 45, 55, 65, a plurality of end block units 75 anda plurality of coupling block units 82. The block units 15-82 aredesigned to be selectively assembled and interconnected to form a widevariety of realistic, different-shaped inner and outer barriers usedwith a race track over a support surface 99 as shown in FIGS. 2-4. Eachblock unit 15-82 is also designed to be lightweight for easyportability, sufficiently narrow and thin for stacking, and sufficientlydurable so that race track officials 13 may stand on them and watch therace cars 12 being operated in the race track as shown in FIG. 1. Theblock units 15-82 also include means for easy connection and closedcavities which may be selectively filled with sand or water to addweight so that they do not move when struck by a moving race car 12 orkicked by an official. The system 10 also includes poles 97 that connectto the top surfaces of the block units 15-75, and safety netting 100 toprotect track officials 13 and spectators from being hit by flying racecars 12.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the long and short straight block units15, 25, respectively, are elongated, rectangular parallelepipeds. Eachlong straight block unit 15 includes parallel, flat top and bottomsurfaces 16, 17, respectively, two parallel flat side surfaces 18, 19,respectively, and two parallel flat end surfaces 20, 21, respectively.Each short straight block unit 25 includes parallel flat top and bottomfaces 26, 27 two parallel flat side surfaces 28, 29, and two parallelflat end surfaces 30, 31, respectively. The long and short straightblock units 15, 25, respectively, have identical widths and heights.This uniformity enables the inside and outside surfaces of the racetrack to be smooth and continuous so that the race cars 12 do not snag aprotruding corner on the straight block units 15, 25.

[0043] The corner block units 35, 45, 55, 65, and end block units 75 arealso polygons with the same widths and heights as the long and shortstraight block units 15, 25 respectively. The 30-degree corner blockunit 35 includes parallel, flat, top and bottom surfaces 36, 37, a30-degree arc front surface 38 and two flat side surfaces 39, 40. Asshown in FIGS. 8 and 9, during use, the 30-degree corner block unit 35is positioned so that its side surfaces 39, 40 are registered with theend surfaces, 18, 19, or side surfaces (not shown) on the long or shortstraight block units 15, 25, (not shown) respectively, to provide a30-degree turn on the race track.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the 45-degree corner block unit 45includes parallel flat top and bottom faces 46, 47, a 45-degree arcfront surface 48, and two side wall surfaces 49, 50 perpendicularlyaligned with the top and bottom faces 46, 47, respectively. Like the30-degree corner block unit 35, the side surfaces 18, 19 on the adjacentblock units 15, 15′, respectively, are registered with the cornerblock's side surfaces 49, 50, to provide a 45 degree turn in the racetrack.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the 60-degree corner block unit 55includes parallel top and flat bottom surface 56, 57, a 60 degree arcfront surface 58, and two flat side surface 59, 60 perpendicularlyaligned with the top and bottom surfaces 56, 57, respectively. Duringuse, the side surfaces 59, 60 may be registered with the side surfaceson the adjacent block units 15, 15′ to provide a 60-degree turn in therace track.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the 90-degree corner block unit 65includes parallel, flat, top and bottom surfaces 66, 67, a 90-degree arcfront surface 68, and two flat side surfaces 69, 70 perpendicularlyaligned with the top and bottom faces 66, 67, respectively. During use,the side surfaces 69, 70 may be registered with the side walls on thelong or short block units 15, 25, respectively, to provide a 90-degreeturn in the race track. If desired, the side surfaces 69, 70 may beregistered with the side surfaces on the 30-degree, 45-degree, or60-degree corner block units, 35, 45, 55, respectively, to providedifferent corner variations in the race track.

[0047] The 180-degree end block unit 75 includes parallel, flat top andbottom surfaces 76, 77, a 180-degree arc front surface 78, and one flatside surface 79 perpendicularly aligned with the top and bottom surfaces76, 77, respectively. During use, the side surface 79 may be registeredwith a side surface on the long or short block units 15 or 25,respectively, to provide a 180-degree turn in the race track. Ifdesired, the side surface 79 may be registered with a side surface onthe 30-degree, 45-degree, 60-degree, or 90-degree corner block units,35, 45, 55, 65 respectively, to provide different corner variations inthe race track.

[0048] Also included in the system 10 is an optional adjustable couplingblock unit 82 that enables adjacent long and short straight block units15, 25 or corner block units 35, 45, 55, 65 to be connected together. Inthe preferred embodiment, the coupling block unit 82 includes twopivotally attached components: a male block unit 83 and a female blockunit 88. The male block unit 83 includes a longitudinally aligned tonguemember 86 that fits into a slot 92 formed on the female block unit 88.The female block unit 88 includes a flat, top member 89 located abovethe slot 92 and flat bottom member 90 located below the slot 92. Formedin the male and female members 83, 88, are holes 94 through which a pin95 is inserted to pivotally connect the male and female block units 83,88, respectively, together. During use, the male and female block units83, 88 may be rotated approximately 120 degrees for different variationsin the race track.

[0049] As mentioned above, each long and short block unit 15, 25, eachcorner block unit 35, 45, 55, 65, each end block unit 75, and eachcoupling block unit 85, includes attachment means that enable them to beconnected to an adjacent block unit. In the preferred embodiment, theattachment means is a longitudinally aligned tab 54 that extends from atleast one side or end surface and a slot 64 formed on a side or endsurface. The tab 54 and slot 64 are complementary in shape and locatedon the side or end surfaces so that the top and bottom surfaces andadjacent side and end surfaces are aligned when interconnected.

[0050] As also mentioned above, each long and short straight block unit15, 25, each corner block unit 35, 45, 55, 65 and each end block unit 75is hollow with a closed cavity 22, 32, 41, 51, 61, 71, 80, respectively,formed therein. Also formed on the top surface of each block unit 35,45, 55, 65 and 75 is a filling port 24 through which a suitable fluidmay be poured into the block unit to add weight. In the preferredembodiment, sand 102 or water (not shown) is selectively poured into thefilling port 24 to provide weight. An optional cap 103, shown in FIG. 8,may be included to prevent the water, sand 102, or other suitablematerial from spilling.

[0051] Each straight block unit 15, 25, each corner block unit 35, 45,55, 65, and each end block unit 75 also includes an optional post hole96 formed on its top surface. The post hole 96 is cylindrical andsufficiently deep to support a post 97 vertically therein. Suitablenetting 100 is then vertically aligned and strung between posts 97 onadjacent block units.

[0052] Also, an optional recessed handle 34 may be formed on eachstraight, corner, end, and coupling block unit 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65,75, 82, respectively to improve portability. In the preferredembodiment, the recessed handle 34 is formed on the top surface near oneend so that the block unit may be easily carried and handled, withoutcompromising stacking ability.

[0053] In the preferred embodiment, the straight block units 15, 25 aremade of thin wall plastic and are approximately 13 inches in width, 4inches in height and 144 inches and 48inches in length, respectively.The corner block units 75 and coupling units 82 are all approximately 13inches in width and 4 inches in height.

[0054] The posts 97 are made of PVC and measure approximately 18 inchesin height and 1½ inches in diameter. The netting 100 is made of durablenylon or vinyl and measures approximately 16 inches in width and issufficient length to extend around the entire perimeter of the racecourse 10.

[0055] In compliance with the statute, the invention described hereinhas been described in language more or less specific as to structuralfeatures. It should be understood, however, that the invention is notlimited to the specific features shown, since the means and constructionshown, is comprised only of the preferred embodiments for putting theinvention into effect. The invention is therefore claimed in any of itsforms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of theamended claims, appropriately interpreted in accordance with thedoctrine of equivalents.

I claim:
 1. A race track system, comprising: a. a plurality of lowprofile, elongated straight block units, each said elongated, straightblock unit being a parallelepiped with parallel, flat top and bottomfaces, parallel sidewall faces, and parallel end wall faces, each saidblock unit having a cavity formed therein with a filling port so that afluid may be added to said cavity to provide weight to each said blockunit; b. means to connect adjacent said straight block units together toform a continuous barrier; c. at least one corner block unit, each saidcorner block unit being substantially the same height and width of saidstraight block units; and, d. means to connect each said corner blockunit to a side wall or to an end wall of at least one straight blockunit.
 2. The race car track system, as recited in claim 1, wherein saidmeans to connect adjacent said straight block units is at least one tabmember that extends longitudinally from an end on one said straightblock and a tab receiving slot formed on the adjacent said straightblock unit.
 3. The race car track system, as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid corner block unit is one of the following groups of corner blockunits: a 30-degree corner block unit, a 45-degree corner block unit, a60-degree corner block unit, a 90-degree corner block unit, and a180-degree corner block unit.
 4. The race car track system, as recitedin claim 1, wherein each said straight block unit includes a means formanually carrying said straight block unit.
 5. The race car tracksystem, as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for manually carryingsaid straight block units is a recessed handle on a surface of saidstraight block unit.
 6. The remote control race car track system, asrecited in claim 1, wherein said corner units include outward extendedsloped surfaces to form an apron-like roadway structure.
 7. The race cartrack system, as recited in claim 1, further including a plurality ofpoles selectively attached to said straight block units and said cornerunits and a safety net that extends between said poles.
 8. The race cartrack system, as recited in claim 1, further including an adjustablecoupling block unit.
 9. The race car track system, as recited in claim1, wherein said straight block and corner block units are approximatelyfour inches in height.
 10. The race car track system, as recited inclaim 1, wherein said straight block units and said corner block unitsare approximately 13 inches in width.
 11. The race car track system, asrecited in claim 1, wherein said straight block units are approximately144 inches in length.
 12. A race car track system comprising a. an innerbarrier made of a plurality of low profile, lightweight, interlockingunits; b. an outer barrier surrounding and spaced apart from said innerbarrier to form a race track therebetween, said outer barrier made of aplurality of low profile, interlocking units; c. a safety net attachedto said outer barrier to prevent airborne race cars from travelingbeyond said outer barrier.
 13. A race car track system, as recited inclaim 11, comprising: a. a plurality of low profile, elongated straightblock units, each said elongated, straight block unit being aparallelepiped with parallel top and bottom faces, parallel sidewallfaces, and parallel end wall faces, each said block unit having a hollowcavity formed therein with a port so that a fluid or grain may be addedto said cavity to provide weight to each said block unit; b. at leastone corner block unit, each said corner block unit having a flat bottomsurface; c. means to connect adjacent said straight block units togetherto form a barrier with a continuous inside surface; and, d. means toconnect each said corner block unit to the side wall or end wall of atleast one straight block unit to form a turn in the race track.
 14. Therace car track system, as recited in claim 11, wherein said means toconnect adjacent said straight blocks is at least one tab member thatextends longitudinally from an end on one said straight block and a tabreceiving slot formed on the adjacent said straight block.
 15. The racecar track system, as recited in claim 11, wherein said corner block unitis one of the following groups of corner block units: a 30-degree cornerblock unit, a 45-degree corner block unit, a 60-degree corner blockunit, a 90-degree corner block unit, and a 180-degree corner block unit.16. The race car track system, as recited in claim 11, wherein each saidstraight block unit includes a means for manually carrying said straightblock unit.
 17. The race car track system, as recited in claim 11,wherein said corner units include outward extended sloped surfaces toform an apron-like roadway structure.
 18. The race car track system, asrecited in claim 11, further including a plurality of poles thatselectively attach to said straight or corner units and a safety netthat extends between said poles.
 19. The race car track system, asrecited in claim 11, further including an adjustable coupling blockunit.
 20. The race car track system, as recited in claim 11, whereinsaid straight block units and said corner block units are approximatelyfour inches in height.